ZeroAvia Advances towards Certification of 600kW Electric Propulsion System
Key Ideas
- ZeroAvia has received Certification Basis for its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS) from the FAA, marking a milestone towards certification of its first commercial product.
- The EPS system is part of ZeroAvia's ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain but can also be applied to battery, hybrid, and fuel cell electric aircraft.
- The company has announced its intention to sell key components and has nearly 3,000 orders for its powertrains and components, with production in Everett, Washington.
- Testing of the ZA600 powertrain for up to 20-seat commercial aircraft has been successful, with plans to launch it on the Cessna Grand Caravan platform in 2026.
ZeroAvia has achieved a significant step forward in certifying its first commercial product, the 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS), by receiving Certification Basis from the FAA. This milestone document outlines the airworthiness regulations that must be met by the manufacturer. The EPS, part of ZeroAvia's ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain, utilizes the company's proprietary inverter and electric motor technology. Besides applications in hydrogen-electric aircraft, it can also be used in battery, hybrid, and fuel cell electric fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and UAVs. ZeroAvia's founder and CEO, Val Miftakhov, sees this certification as a means to expand the market and contribute to a cleaner future of flight. With plans to sell key components and having a substantial number of orders, ZeroAvia is gearing up for production at its facility in Everett, Washington. The ZA600 powertrain, designed for use in commercial aircraft with up to 20 seats, has undergone successful testing on a Dornier 228 flying from the company's UK base. It is set to be deployed on the Cessna Grand Caravan platform through a STC and is expected to be operational by 2026.